THE Department of Home Affairs (DoH) is gearing up for a busy festive season at the country’s busiest ports of entry and, if last year is anything to go by, more than eight million movements are expected to be captured.
‘In preparation for 2018/19 festive period the Information Technology (IT) team of Home Affairs is conducting a clean sweep operation to ensure all IT equipment is in good condition at our ports of entry to ensure optimal functioning,’ said Minister of Home Affairs, Siyabonga Cwele,
He said teams of IT support staff will remain at high volume ports until 9 January.
‘It is imperative that ports of entry are adequately prepared to facilitate traveller movement, and to curb illegal movement and transgressions.
‘Security dynamics and risks during peak periods include fraudulent documents, undocumented travellers and poor access control owing to congested roads. Hence we plan meticulously for ports and borderline activities with other law enforcement agencies.’
Cwele said operational times at the country’s busiest ports will be extended during pre-festive season movements, the festive season period and the reopening of schools.
‘Our mission is to deliver efficient services while ensuring only legitimate people and goods are allowed to enter or depart,’ said Cwele.
‘Legitimate trade and travel will be facilitated and potential violators will be deterred.
‘We implore all travellers leaving and entering South Africa to ensure all their travel documents are in order to avoid unnecessary delays.
‘These include passports, visas, health certificates, permits for specified goods, plants and animals, vehicle insurance and bank authorised cross-border documents for vehicles.’
Festive season operational times for Zululand’s only port of entry, the Kosi Bay border to Mozambique, are from 7am to 6pm (usually 8am to 5pm).
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